The Book of Acts
Updated: December 30, 2019
Today in Sabbath School we begin a new lesson study which is on the Book of Acts. The Book of Acts was written by Luke and is the sequel to the Book of Luke. Acts is a book of history. It tells of how the church was established and expanded. Acts in named Acts to reflect the acts of the apostles in establishing Christ's church on earth after ascending into heaven. The Book of Acts records how believers where empowered by the Holy Spirit in spreading God's Word, which need to be used as a template for all generations in sharing and spreading of the Good News of Jesus throughout the world.
This week's emphasis is around Acts 1:8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." NIV
Before ascending to heaven, Christ gave His disciples their commission. He told them that they were to be the executors of His will, in which He bequeathed to the world the treasurers of eternal life. This gospel commission is the great missionary charter of Christ's kingdom and extend to the present day.
The disciples were to carry their work forward in Christ's name. The name contains the vital power by which sinners may be saved. Their faith was to center on Him.
When Christ sent the disciples forth, He plainly set before them the necessity of speaking with the same simplicity with which He had spoken. He did not tell them that their work would be easy. He explained the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them. But He assured the disciples that they would not be left to fight alone--that He would take upon Himself the responsibility for their success.
He told the disciples that they were to begin their work in Jerusalem because many were secretly believed Jesus to be the Messiah. And shortly they saw the wisdom of these words, as thousands were converted by the power of the Spirit.
"The Saviour knew that no argument, however logical, would melt hard hearts or break through the crust of worldliness and selfishness. He new that His disciples must receive the heavenly endowment; that the gospel would be effective only as it was proclaimed by hearts made warm and lips made eloquent by a living knowledge of Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. The work committed to the disciples would require great efficiency; for the tide of evil ran deep and strong against them. A vigilant, determined leader was in command of the forces of darkness, and the followers of Christ could battle for the right only through the help that God, by His Holy Spirit, would give them".
The gospel is still most effectively presented in simplicity and earnestness.
Reading from the book "Love Makes a Way, p. 283